I wrote this in 2012
James 1:2- 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Our faith is tested in many ways. We may face temptations, afflictions, weariness, health problems, financial hardships, family troubles, and a host of other trials. While no trial is ever pleasant, we can be joyful in trials for they can be beneficial to us if we do not faint. James lists three wonderful benefits that the trial of our faith will produce if we stand and do not faint.
I. The trial of our faith produces patience.
James 1:3- Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
The word patience means perserverance, endurance, and steadfastness. The present trials of our faith strengthen us in in endurance. Just as a weight lifter begins with lighter weights and works up to more reps and heavier weights, God will not allow us to be tested above our ability to handle the test. When the trial of faith comes, if we do not faint, we will become stronger in faith. We increase in steadfastness.
Consider Daniel. His faith was tested when he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the Kings delicacies. (Daniel 1). His steadfastness in resolve and faithfullness prepared him for the even greater trial of the lion's den. God delivered him from all of His trials, and in all of His trials he brought glory to God.
So it will be with us if we do not faint.
II. Endurance in trials produces maturity.
James 1: 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .
When we continually stand steadfast in trials, without fainting and without wavering, the result is maturity. James said let patience have her perfect work that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. In other words, let the perserverance and steadfastness of your faith finish it's work in you, so that you might reach maturity and be complete in Christ and be filled with the fullness of Him. This is what God is seeking to work in our lives, increasing Christ-likeness. God's desire is to bring us to maturity, growing up into Christ in all things. A mature Christian is a fruitful Christian, prepared unto every good work.
III. Those who are approved by testing receive a crown of Life.
James 1: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
When we perservere in faith, even in trials and temptations, we are demonstrating that we truly love the Lord. Those that love the Lord will receive a crown of life at the end of the day. Soon our troubles and trials will all be over, and we will enter the blessed rest of heaven the Lord has prepared for us. Soon the trial of our faith will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, maturity, and an eternal weight of Glory. Hallelujah!
James 1:2- 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Our faith is tested in many ways. We may face temptations, afflictions, weariness, health problems, financial hardships, family troubles, and a host of other trials. While no trial is ever pleasant, we can be joyful in trials for they can be beneficial to us if we do not faint. James lists three wonderful benefits that the trial of our faith will produce if we stand and do not faint.
I. The trial of our faith produces patience.
James 1:3- Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
The word patience means perserverance, endurance, and steadfastness. The present trials of our faith strengthen us in in endurance. Just as a weight lifter begins with lighter weights and works up to more reps and heavier weights, God will not allow us to be tested above our ability to handle the test. When the trial of faith comes, if we do not faint, we will become stronger in faith. We increase in steadfastness.
Consider Daniel. His faith was tested when he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the Kings delicacies. (Daniel 1). His steadfastness in resolve and faithfullness prepared him for the even greater trial of the lion's den. God delivered him from all of His trials, and in all of His trials he brought glory to God.
So it will be with us if we do not faint.
II. Endurance in trials produces maturity.
James 1: 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .
When we continually stand steadfast in trials, without fainting and without wavering, the result is maturity. James said let patience have her perfect work that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. In other words, let the perserverance and steadfastness of your faith finish it's work in you, so that you might reach maturity and be complete in Christ and be filled with the fullness of Him. This is what God is seeking to work in our lives, increasing Christ-likeness. God's desire is to bring us to maturity, growing up into Christ in all things. A mature Christian is a fruitful Christian, prepared unto every good work.
III. Those who are approved by testing receive a crown of Life.
James 1: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
When we perservere in faith, even in trials and temptations, we are demonstrating that we truly love the Lord. Those that love the Lord will receive a crown of life at the end of the day. Soon our troubles and trials will all be over, and we will enter the blessed rest of heaven the Lord has prepared for us. Soon the trial of our faith will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, maturity, and an eternal weight of Glory. Hallelujah!
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